A professional hockey team could one day call Saskatoon home if an ambitious partnership between Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and the city comes to fruition. Chief Kelly Wolfe brought that tantalizing vision to city council Wednesday, outlining a proposal that could reshape downtown Saskatoon and elevate the city’s status in the hockey world. The pitch centered on collaborating to develop the Downtown Event and Entertainment District, known as DEED, a project that has long captivated municipal planners and sports enthusiasts alike.
Wolfe acknowledged that discussions remain in their early stages but emphasized his community’s commitment to thinking big. He floated the possibility of attracting an American Hockey League franchise or even securing an expansion team, provided the entertainment district moves forward as planned. Beyond professional hockey, he suggested Saskatoon could once again host the World Juniors, a prestigious tournament the city successfully welcomed in 1991 and 2010. His message to council was unequivocal. Muskeg Lake did not come to the table to fail.
The potential partnership represents more than just sports and entertainment ambitions. Wolfe positioned the collaboration as an economic opportunity that would benefit both the First Nation and the broader Saskatoon community. He pointed to existing successes that demonstrate the viability of such arrangements. Muskeg Lake’s urban reserve currently employs over 700 people, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, creating meaningful economic activity that ripples through the region. Lakeside Medical Centre stands as perhaps the most visible example of what such partnerships can achieve. Located on urban reserve property, it operates as Saskatchewan’s largest medical facility of its kind, hosting more than 50 doctors and recording 60,000 patient visits annually.
Financial capacity will not be a barrier for Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. Wolfe revealed that his community possesses a net worth exceeding $100 million, with capital investments totaling at least $80 million. He indicated that discussions with multiple developers are already underway as the First Nation works to secure the most advantageous arrangement possible for Saskatoon. His approach reflects both business acumen and a genuine interest in creating soing beneficial for all stakeholders. Every council member present, he noted, shares the common goal of advancing their communities’ best interests.
City manager Jeff Jorgenson expressed strong support for exploring the partnership opportunity. He disclosed that another First Nation, which he did not identify, had also approached the city about collaborating on the DEED project. Should the city formally open discussions to competing proposals, Jorgenson suggested one criterion would prioritize First Nations belonging to the Saskatoon Tribal Council. Muskeg Lake Cree Nation holds membership in that organization and has secured backing from all other nations within the council, giving it a significant advantage in any selection process.
Not everyone at the table viewed the new proposal without skepticism. Councillor Randy Donauer reminded attendees that all interested parties, including First Nations, had the chance to submit proposals during the previous Request for Proposal process. That competitive bidding resulted in Oak View Group, a United States based company, being selected as the preferred partner for DEED development. Whether council will revisit that decision or explore parallel partnership models remains unclear. What is certain is that Muskeg Lake’s entrance into the conversation has injected new energy and possibilities into a project that has faced various obstacles over the years. As discussions progress in the coming months, Saskatoon residents will watch closely to see whether dreams of professional hockey and expanded entertainment options can transform into concrete reality.
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